Racing Driver Justin Wilson Dies From Head Injury

Entertainment

IndyCar star, Justin Wilson was struck in the head Sunday by debris from a car driven by Sage Karam and airlifted to Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in nearby Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he was listed in critical condition.

IndyCar CEO Mark Miles announced Monday night that Wilson had passed away from his injuries, calling it “a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole.”

Advertisement

Wilson was 37.

He added, “Justin’s elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility, which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock.”

“As we know, the racing industry is one big family, and our efforts moving forward will be focused on rallying around Justin’s family to ensure they get the support they need during this unbelievably difficult time,” continued Miles. “Anyone who follows our sport knows Justin is one of the most highly respected people in our business. He will be missed.”

Wilson’s family also released a statement.

“The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar Series as well as the entire racing community for the amazing outpouring of support from fans around the world. He (Wilson) was a loving father and devoted husband.”

Karem also shared his condolences on Twitter, writing, “I can’t find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family.”

Wilson, a member of the Andretti Autosport team, is an ex-Formula One driver who had competed in various races in the U.S. since 2004.